Theopolis Logo

Writing

Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.

See all
5f72533d0afa437fcaa7e5cf_hero_history
Apologetics

Presumptuous Presuppositions: The Apologetics of Cornelius Van Til

Whether one entirely agrees with him or not, no Christian interested in apologetics–the reasoned defense of the Faith–can afford to be uninterested in Cornelius Van Til, the late professor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. According to John Frame, Van Til “is perhaps the most important thinker since…

by Mark HorneJuly 15, 1997
trnava-university-beeyeib-am8-unsplash
Baptism

Richard Bacon’s “What Mean Ye By This Service? Paedocommunion in Light of the Passover” A Brief Response

Reverend Richard Bacon is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Rowlett, Texas. He has written a tract entitled “What Mean Ye By This Service? Paedocommunion in Light of Passover,” printed by Presbyterian Heritage Publications (P.O. Box 180922, Dallas, TX 75218). I am writing this brief response to set forth…

by Mark HorneJuly 6, 1997
aaron-burden-qjdzyt_k8xg-unsplash
Angels

Twelve Fundamental Avenues of Revelation, Part 5

As we move toward a consideration of Dynamic Cosmic Revelation, there is a further aspect of revelation through action that should be discussed here, and that is this: God is particularly revealed to us in times of crisis and distress. When things are going well, we forget God. When distress…

by James B. JordanJuly 3, 1997
jan-kahanek-g3o5ztrk2e4-unsplash
Biblical Chronology

John Sailhamer Weighs In, Part 4

We conclude our analysis of John Sailhamer’s book *Genesis Unbound: A Provocative New Look at the Creation Account* (Multnomah Books, 1996), which argues that Genesis 1:2ff. is not about the creation of the whole world, but about the preparation of the Land of Eden, which is also the Promised Land.…

by James B. JordanJuly 3, 1997
screenshot-2023-09-04-at-10-37-01-am
Biblical Horizons

The Sin of Ham and the Curse of Canaan, Part 2 (An Exposition of Genesis 9:20-27)

Commentary A. Noah’s God-like Labor: 8:20 And Noah, a master of the ground, was the first, And he planted a vineyard. 21 And he drank from the wine, And became drunk, And lay uncovered inside his tent. It appears to me that there is a balance between "ground" and "tent"…

by James B. JordanJuly 3, 1997
e99a4713
How to Worship

Why Does the Pastor Wear a Robe?

A Defense of the Use of the Ministerial Robe in Public Worship The purpose of this series of articles is to explain our biblical philosophy of worship and how we have sought to implement it here at Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church. We have thought through our worship services. We have…

by Jeff MeyersJune 20, 1997

Showing page 255 of 309

See all

Showing page 9 of 43

See all
annunciation
Masculinity

Women Make History

Jim Jordan once again stole the show during our Pentecost Term course a few weeks ago. He’s still recovering from his strokes, moves slowly, gets tired easily, shakes when he stands too long – and he’s still the most stimulating teacher anywhere. Jim devoted several lectures to explaining how women…

June 14, 2022
512px-john-henry-newman
Protestantism

Tradition and Apocalypse

David Bentley Hart has some very wise things to say about tradition and traditionalism in the opening section of his new Tradition and Apocalypse . The concept of tradition formulated in John Henry Newman’s 1845 Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine and updated by Maurice Blondel’s 1904 History and…

June 7, 2022
pentecost-5
Pentecost

Pentecost and Enlightenment

The following was originally published in 2013 at FirstThings.com . When Israel’s prophets predict the future coming of the Spirit, their next thought is almost always about the renewal of creation. According to Joel, the Spirit’s coming will turn Israel into Big Rock Candy Mountain”wine tricklin’ down the mountains, a…

June 3, 2022
trnava-university-beeyeib-am8-unsplash
American Culture

Unbroken Thread

I liked Sohrab Ahmari’s The Unbroken Thread more than I expected to. The subtitle refers to “the wisdom of tradition,” and I expected a book pointing to generic “tradition,” drawn from classical, Christian, and other sources, as our social Savior. We need to renounce that kind of Messianism as strenuously…

May 30, 2022
ascension_of_jesus_icon_lattakia_1667
American PoliticsPolitical Theology

Of Course Christians Are Theocrats

With the looming prospect that Roe v. Wade will be overturned, the old charge that Christians favor "theocracy" has, predictably, bubbled to the surface. Just as predictably, Christians repudiate the charge . This 2018 essay from FirstThings.com is once again (or still) relevant . Ever since the Religious Right burst…

May 24, 2022
the_dismissal_of_hagar_met_dp810753

Hagar the Stranger

Genesis 16 records the story of Hagar, Sarai’s handmaid, who bears Abram’s son, Ishmael. A number of scholars say this chapter is the center, or near the center, of the Abrahamic narrative (Genesis 12-25). That’s very odd. Hagar is never mentioned before chapter 16, but suddenly takes center stage. Her…

May 23, 2022

Showing page 10 of 2212

Browse by Category

In Medias Res

Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.

Donate

Theopolis is nearly 100% donor-supported. Consider joining us on our mission.